Browning A5 old and new.

[d2wing]

Anyone know how the new A5 compares to the old A5. I know the action is different but how about the fit and swing? Also would like an opinion on the B-80.
I have a chance to buy either one and would like help deciding.

 

[1KPerDay]

New ones are basically just benellis with a cosmetic hump. Cool but they feel very different from the real ones.

 

[d2wing]

That's kinda what I was thinking. I know that the new A5 is a Browning version of a Bennelli and the B80 is the same only a Beretta 302 or so action. Both should be great guns. I do like the feel and fit of the old A5. I was wondering which is closest to that. Maybe a horse apiece. My buddy has a new A5 and he loves it.

 

[rbernie]

If you like the crisp and precise machine work of the original, the new one will leave you cold.

 

[Liberty1776]

IMO, the new ones are longer-looking, and ugly. Only the name remains the same...

 

[d2wing]

True they are not like the old ones. Compared them again and decided the A5 suits me better. It is much lighter, and trimmer. If I were waterfowling or trap shooting the B80 would be good, but I mostly upland hunt. I like a light gun to carry and good balance for for fast shots.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

I've liked the new A5. A friend on our squad in our trap league has one and is happy with it.

 

[Mr. T]

Hard to beat the original!

 

[d2wing]

Yeah, they don't make the old ones anymore.

 

[rbernie]

My impression of the new A5 is that it felt cheaper and less refined than a Benelli M2 at no less cost. A side by side comparison between the Benelli and the Browning will not make the Browning stand out well....

 

[d2wing]

Yeah, some guys do like the Benelli better but I am interested in how the the gun fits me. And how it feels to me. I buy my guns to shoot. Although I did get the Feild model that is wood and blued steel. Looks good to me. I plan on getting it scratched and nicked up. I want to leave my marks on my guns before the grandkids and sons in laws get them. I have me dad's gun that was run over.

 

[rbernie]

My M2 Field guns come with shims to adjust drop and cast, offer different length butt pads to adjust LOP, and offer replacement combs to adjust cheek weld. Dunno that the A5 can say all that, I guess is my point.

When I suggested a side-by-side comparison, I wasn't just talking about aesthetics. I was talking features, ergonomics, and overall value.

 

[d2wing]

My new Browning came with the shims and butt spacers. I don't know about replaceable comb's. You may be right that the M2 is a better buy. But I wasn't looking for anything besides a Browning. Mainly because my buddy has an Old A5 that we both shoot very well. It is finally beyond repair and he replaced it with a new A5 and likes it even better than the old one.
I picked mine up today. It looks nice and comes up real well. I can't shoot it yet. It needs the grease cleaned out of it first.
I don't doubt that your gun may be a better buy. I just wanted a Browning.

 

[rbernie]

Very good - enjoy!